Europe
View From the Top: Facing Europe's new data protection laws
The European Union’s intention to harmonize data protection laws will have a significant impact on companies across the continent.
All change for financial reporting?
The International Accounting Standards Board has released its exposure draft with the intention to create a single international financial standard. Evan Bogardus explains how for many insurers, meeting these challenges head on could transform their…
Remedy sought for global compliance headache
International business must keep compliant with shifting insurance regulations and tax regimes across the world, and on the back of research by Ferma Peter den Dekker asks if a single database could help reduce cost bases within impairing competition.
Insurance Insight: European rates review
Insurers’ appetite to diversify into new product lines and geographical areas is bringing heightened levels of competition to lines across Europe. In the short term this is of benefit to insurance buyers but Edward Murray asks what the long term impact…
Insurance Insight: An in-depth review of general insurance in Portugal
Although the Portuguese insurance industry is one of the most well-established and resilient in the European Union Sam Barrett explains that it is still facing considerable challenges as the market responds to new legislation.
Insurance Insight October: Exclusive online content now live
Insurance Insight October is now live with a review of the Portuguese general insurance market and a close look at rates across the continent, as well as the first in a regular View From the Top slot, and leading market commentary on European insurance…
Swiss Re chief risk officer departs in management shake up
Swiss Re has established a new leadership structure, which it claims broadens the market representation at executive committee level and better align with client needs.
Geneva Association names new insurance head
International insurance think tank The Geneva Association has named former Zurich head of financial accounting Daniel Haefeli as the head of its insurance and finance programme.
Tories slam EU sex insurance decision as "madness"
The Conservative Party has slammed the EU's Advocate General decision that to take the sex of a person into consideration for insurance purposes was against a person’s fundamental rights.
Lloyd's company ties up outsourcing deal with Direct group
Sagicor Life at Lloyd’s has revealed plans to develop further into the group life market in the UK and Europe by announcing that it has reached an agreement with Direct Group to transfer its quote and administration services to Direct Group.
CEA warns of consumer detriment following ECJ ruling on sex
The CEA, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has warned that there could be far-reaching implications for the price and availability of insurance cover if today’s opinion by the advocate general is upheld by the European Court of Justice.
Liberty pulls IPO due to "volatile" markets
Liberty Mutual has announced that it is postponing the initial public offering of stock in Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation.
AM Best affirms QBE Europe's rating as "A"
AM Best Europe has affirmed the financial strength ratings of A (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+” of QBE Insurance (Europe) (United Kingdom), QBE Insurance (International) Limited (Australia) and QBE Reinsurance (Europe) Limited …
EU buyers fearing insurance rate increase
Almost half of European insurance buyers are concerned that current economic conditions could lead to an increase in the cost of cover, research by the Federation of European Risk Management Associations has revealed.
Marsh calls for stronger focus on risk
Europe’s largest companies will need to spend more time and resources on long-term strategic risk planning to avoid being vulnerable to changing market conditions.
Aegon outlines UK restructuring plans
Aegon is poised to close its third party pension administration and employee benefits software businesses as part of plans to restructure its UK business.
Willis establishes life sciences unit
Willis Group Holdings has established a new business unit within Willis Global Markets International for the insurance of companies involved in Life Sciences.
Tokio Marine Europe expands engineering team
Tokio Marine Europe has expanded its risk engineering department with the appointment of Phil Wall as corporate risk engineering manager.
Lloyd's results show first half year profit halved to £628m
Lloyd’s this morning reported that its half year profit before tax had fallen significantly to £628m (June 2009 £1.32 bn) in 2010.
Ocaso appoints deputy GM
Spanish insurance company Ocaso has appointed Tim Stemp in the capacity of deputy general manager.
Debevoise & Plimpton advise Novae
Debevoise & Plimpton has advised Novae Insurance Company on the transfer of its insurance business and reserves to Lloyd's Syndicate 2007.
Insure and Go seals Mapfre deal
Insure and Go has agreed a six year deal with Spanish insurer Mapfre for the provision of its travel products in the UK and Ireland.
London is "least risky" European city
London has come joint-third in a global study to find which cities have the lowest risk to recruit, employ and relocate employees.
Exclusive marine content now available
In our latest article Liam Morrissey, a partner at BTG Global Risk Partners, looks at the impact of piracy on the European insurance market.